Wednesday, 21 September 2016

GOD'S PILLS 2016 : CAPSULE 37

ANSWERS TO SOME NAGGING QUESTIONS: ALŁOW PATIENCE TO PERFECT THE WORK

“And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12 KJV‭In this series, we are discussing answers to that nagging question 'Why am I not getting the results as promised in Matthew 7:7-8 and Luke 11:8-9?' This is a legitimate question to ask and we have considered two of the reasons so far, 'Making the main thing the main thing', 'Don't make requests that are outside the New Covenant provision'. I will suggest that you go over these again because they are fundamental to a successful Christian life.

There is so much error being peddled even amongst Pentecostal/Charismatic settings and unfortunately it has gone on so long that those who are not rigorous have accepted such. As powerful as the gospel is, you can neutralise and make it of no effect through wrong tradition (Mark 7:13).In the next two or more capsules we would consider PATIENCE. Again, I have come to realise that this needs to be properly understood to avoid frustration. However, before we go into the nitty gritty, I would like to recommend that you study the Epistle of James. This book defends the reputation of God in a clear and concise manner more than any other, it will help you get rid of confusion in so many areas, it brings so much clarity to the New Covenant understanding of the nature of God. God has not changed, He remains the same (Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6), but the sacrifice of Christ brought a new relationship because we changed (2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Hebrews 7:12, Hebrews 10:14-20). I personally find the epistle of James exhilarating and liberating, it will make you examine yourself and your beliefs about God. At some point we would look at what it means to be double-minded.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4 KJV‭‭This passage above says a lot about what the bible calls patience. In life, temptations and trials will come your way whether you like it or not, this is inevitable because we live in a fallen world. In the natural course of things they (that is trials and temptations) are designed to shake your confidence, put fear into you and steal your joy. Once the devil can steal your joy, he will steal your goods because you will lack the strength or confidence to resist him (Nehemiah 8:10, Isaiah 12:3, Psalm 16:11).James in the above passage, gives the antidote, hold onto your joy, don't let go, instead see these trials and temptations as an opportunity to put PATIENCE to work. James 1:13, shows the source of trials and temptations, contrary to what is commonly erroneously taught, it is not God (Matthew 13:21). This confusion about the source of trials, temptations, persecution etc is what has caused a lot of damage to the spiritual health of the gullible. When you put PATIENCE (as described in James 1:2-4, Hebrews 6:11-12) to work, it gives stability to your faith and protect you from being a casualty. If you do this the right way the result is that you become perfect, complete without any lack, similar to what is described in 2 Timothy 3:16. Before we end this capsule I will like to crystallise a few things

1. Trials and Temptations are inevitable, but they are not from God. They don't make you perfect or complete, In fact they are designed to attack you and destroy your confidence in the word of God.(Matthew 13:21, James 1:13)

3. PATIENCE is not passive or weak, it is strong and dynamic (Hebrews 6:12, James 1:2-4)

4. PATIENCE is the spiritual entity between 'receiving' and 'having' it. (I will explain in the next capsule)

In the next capsule we would take a closer look at PATIENCE, how to discern and deploy it. It's place in asking and receiving, seeking and finding, knocking and open.

CONCLUSION: PATIENCE IS THE ENDURANCE OF FAITH

PsGreat things are happening, Lives are changing, I am thrilled by the testimonies that I have received since the beginning of this series, we are getting through, there is much more to come, I am excited, praise GOD!!! If this series does not light your fire, check your wood, it must be wet. Spread the word and change a life, link this to your social media site (facebook, twitter etc)